Brian Jeffrey
Before a significant day, inhabitants of Hanoi’s Old Quarter set up offering tables on the sidewalks for their rituals. These offerings often include symbolic paper items like clothing, rice, salt, fruits, and snacks. Shop owners feel it is crucial to perform these rituals at their businesses to show respect and ensure a prosperous year.
On Hang Ngang Street, a local business owner mentioned the preparation of their offerings and joss paper the previous night. Many families prefer conducting these rituals early as they believe that by the afternoon of the 15th, the gates of the underworld close, and spirits return.
Anna, a tourist, observed families burning paper money about a kilometer from Dong Xuan Market and found it fascinating, noting the importance of the day in Vietnamese culture.
On Ta Hien Street, Ha Manh Long burned joss paper outside his house after finishing his offerings, mentioning his family’s tradition of early rituals to avoid last-minute rushes.
Next door, Long’s neighbor got back from the market, preparing for their afternoon offerings.
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To reduce smoke affecting passersby, families separate joss paper stacks before burning. After burning, they sprinkle rice wine over the ashes, with rice and salt scattered on the street to feed spirits and dispel bad luck.
A family on Hang Bong Street invested 600,000 VND in an old washing machine drum as a joss paper furnace. The homeowner found this method helpful in preventing excessive smoke, ensuring a quick burn, and containing the ashes.
Despite precautions, many people still burn joss paper directly on the sidewalk amidst bustling traffic.
Thach Thao
